The following is an interview with writer/artist Frances Lee regarding the recent release of the graphic novel, Ami Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers, with Levine Querido. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Lee about her creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, the themes that she hopes may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Ami Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers! What can you share with us about the premise of this story?
Frances Lee: Thank you! It’s been a wild trip and I’m stoked to share my story about Ami, a young girl lost in space who joins a team of Peacekeepers in order to find her way back to Earth. Back to her mom and dog, Sadie. Alongside her teammates, Sumo and Rosa, the team complete missions across the Andromeda galaxy with an A.I. system named M.O.M. Overall, it’s about navigating relationships, society, and trying to make sense of things while having a bit of a laugh.
BD: In balancing the writing and illustrative duties of the project, how would you describe your creative process in bringing this story and its characters to life on the page?
FL: Absolute chaos. From start to finish. Ha!
I start with a bare-bones skeleton of what will happen in each chapter. Keeping it vague allows a lot of flexibility and less disappointment if it doesn’t work out. If needed, I can replace the chapter with a better concept on the fly. Once that’s done, I just start drawing and writing simultaneously. Sometimes, the words come first or sometimes the image. Or they come at the same time. Panel to panel it’s a bit different. Sometimes, the focus hits. Most times, it doesn’t. Then, it becomes a battlefield in my mind and body because I just want to go outside and look at things instead. By some miracle, I manage to get things done. Lol
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums and genres. How do you feel that Ami’s story might connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
FL: I wanted to write a story about a kid that is going through the daily grind. The grind that leaves them with more questions and contemplation at the end of the day. Adults always rush through these moments without stopping to ask. They just want an immediate resolution. Make it linear. Make it quick and snappy. Adults make it seem like they don’t have time for contemplation and critical thinking.
I want kids to know that it’s okay to stop and wonder why and not have the so-called answer right away. That the feeling we’re left with at the end of the day, when daily happenings and experiences don’t end in a neat tidy bow, but actually leave you with more questions. That it’s okay, we can just feel feelings and wonder about it. I hope kids feel they can take their time looking at the pictures in my book and read the words at their pace. Whether they start front to back, back to front, middle or random page by page. I hope adults will be patient and open to talking about whatever questions kids ask. (This is also a reminder to myself and my own level of patience, lol.)
BD: What makes Levine Querido the perfect publishing partner for this story?
FL: I have been following Levine Querido before they became Levine Querido. They have been my number one choice since I decided to make a book almost 20 years ago. Their dedication to diversity, beautiful imagery and incredible story resonated with me and they’ve been unwavering in that pursuit. And I’m quite proud to be a part of that.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Ami Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers?
FL: I’m making a public appearance at TCAF this year, if you’re in town, drop by and we can have a chat. I also randomly pop into local bookstores to sign copies when I am able to leave my neighborhood.
You can find me on Instagram (@LEETROPOLIS) or sign up for newsletters (that rarely ever appear in your inbox) on my website, LEETROPOLIS.COM. Those two places would be the best way to keep updated in some form.
